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FARMERS' MARKETS AT WIC CLINICS INCREASE ACCESS TO FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Extension Education

David Martin
Cockeysville

Abstract

\r\n Fruit and vegetable check redemption rates are historically low for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in  Baltimore County.  In response to this situation, University of Maryland Extension Educators collaborated with the Baltimore County Department of Health and local growers to provide one-day farmers’ markets in WIC Clinic parking lots on the day fruit and vegetable checks were distributed.  Eleven, one-day markets have occurred since 2005.  WIC participants experienced shopping in a farmers’ market and the increased access allowed them to more easily redeem their checks.  Extension Educators selected growers, assisted in the site selection, guided WIC participants with how to shop at farmers’ markets, know what’s in season,  and choose, store and prepare fresh produce.  The evaluation of the market project was done by University of Maryland Extension Educators who observed the one-day (WIC) farmers’ markets, reviewed fruit and vegetable check distribution, and recorded the revenues of participating local growers. The results of the market project showed that WIC participants learned about and experienced shopping in a farmers’ market; farmers’ market check redemptions increased indicating that  WIC participants selected more fresh produce over baseline; and local growers increased their revenues by ≈$700 –to over $1,000 during each of the one-day WIC farmers’ markets.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: D. A. Martin, M. A. Concanon, M Erauth
  1. Martin, D. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21030
  2. Concanon, M. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21030
  3. Erauth, M. Management Assistant, Baltimore County Department of Health, Maryland, 21212